The Department of Agriculture and Food (An Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Bia) is a department of the Irish government. The mission of the Department is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focussed agri-food sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society. It is led by the Minister for Agriculture and Food who is assisted by two Ministers of State.

Departmental Team

The official headquarters and Ministerial offices of the Department of Agriculture and Food are in Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The Departmental team consists of the following:

• Minister for Agriculture and Food: Mary Coughlan, TD
  • Minister of State for Forestry: John Browne, TD
  • Minister of State for Food and Horticulture: Brendan Smith, TD

• Secretary-General of the Department: Tom Moran

Overview

In carrying out its mandate the Department undertakes a variety of functions including:

• policy advice and development on all areas of Departmental responsibility
• representation in the international arena, especially European Union and national negotiations
• development and implementation of national and EU schemes in support of agriculture, food, rural development and rural environment
• monitoring and controlling aspects of food safety
• control and audit of public expenditure under its control
• regulation of the agriculture and food industries through national and EU legislation;
• monitoring and controlling animal and plant health and animal welfare
• monitoring and direction of state bodies engaged in the following areas: research training and advice, market development and promotion, industry regulation and development and commercial activities
• direct provision of support services to agriculture and food.

History

The Department of Agriculture was created at one of the very first meetings of Dáil Éireann in 1919. Over the years its name has changed several times, however, the role of the Department has remained the same. The Department was previously known as the following:

• Department of Agriculture (1919-1924)
• Department of Lands and Agriculture (1924-1930)
• Department of Agriculture (1930-1965)
• Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (1965-1977)
• Department of Agriculture (1977-1987)
• Department of Agriculture and Food (1987-1993)
• Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (1993-1997)
• Department of Agriculture and Food (1997-1999)
• Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (1999-2002)
• Department of Agriculture and Food (2002-present)

External link

• Department of Agriculture and Food

Departments of the Irish Government